@abob started this discussion with a question very similar to yours and @ginnyjm, @lanieg and @oumike shared their experiences and similar questions and may have some new insight to share with you.
@alyon917 - have you already been determined as a candidate for this procedure and are wanting to get more experiences before you proceed? Has your provider had a chance to talk pros and cons with you? If you are comfortable sharing, what are you most concerned about with this procedure if you choose to go down that path?
Yes. The operation itself doesn't go wrong and the watchman seals up. I do have confidence in the surgeon, however it's just the risk of something going wrong could be fatal.
I had the Watchman implanted last Sept. Off Eliquis, on Plavix for 6 weeks, now off Plavix. On baby aspirin only. Dizzy spells and falling gone. Still some imbalance but exercises helping. Feeling much better and blessed. 78 yrs old.
Can you share with me what was causing your dizziness? Was it Afib or something related? I am currently in Afib and have been off and on since 2023 with lots of procedures and med changes! Thanks! Martha
Thank you.
-How long does the device last?
-Why Plavix?
-Is the device 100% effective in stopping clots?
-Can you tell you have it in your body?
-Who makes the device?
Thank you...
Mike
Boston Scientific makes the device. Was recommended for me in 2024 but have not had it! On the fence as I already have a pacemaker and Watchman another procedure and another implant in my body! So, welcome any feedback. I have had 5 cardioversions, 1 ablation, a pacemaker, and lots of med changes, along with 2 strokes! Thanks, Martha
@abob started this discussion with a question very similar to yours and @ginnyjm, @lanieg and @oumike shared their experiences and similar questions and may have some new insight to share with you.
@alyon917 - have you already been determined as a candidate for this procedure and are wanting to get more experiences before you proceed? Has your provider had a chance to talk pros and cons with you? If you are comfortable sharing, what are you most concerned about with this procedure if you choose to go down that path?
Thank you for reaching out. I have a Watchman and the doctors said I’d have to be on Plavix the rest of my life, but working through my health care provider I’m off of 2 medications I was put on including Plavix. Currently I’m taking lisinopril 20 mg and one other medication called Cilostazol 50 mg.
After my Watchman implant and when I was on losartan and Metropole, I was having more a fib than what I should’ve been having. I don’t think it agreed with my system since I’ve been off of both of those medication’s. I haven’t been having as much a fib. I find that hypertension (stress) contributes to my a fib and if I start feeling nervous, I take half of 1mg of alprazolam and it makes me feel better and avoids a fib. Medications don’t work for everyone’s individual system and I had to be persistent in finding what meds work for me. I don’t like taking any meds but at 79 I’d like to feel I can have some quality of life.
Boston Scientific makes the device. Was recommended for me in 2024 but have not had it! On the fence as I already have a pacemaker and Watchman another procedure and another implant in my body! So, welcome any feedback. I have had 5 cardioversions, 1 ablation, a pacemaker, and lots of med changes, along with 2 strokes! Thanks, Martha
Heart problems don’t run in my family and I’ve always had a good heart until in 2018, I passed out and laid 2 days before I was found. For all practical purposes, I was dead but revived and helicoptered to a hospital and was in a coma for quite a while. It seems since that happened in my life. It has affected me having a fib, third stage kidney disease, and I have lost a lot of quality life. During that experience someone injured me and now I have to live with an Ostomy that I cannot have reversed. Also, since then, I’ve lost two siblings and a daughter. All of these things have an effect on one’s quality of life. I want so much to feel happiness in my life again and I pray about it.
Can you share with me what was causing your dizziness? Was it Afib or something related? I am currently in Afib and have been off and on since 2023 with lots of procedures and med changes! Thanks! Martha
@abob my wife is about to have an ablation shortly and she is considering the watchmen. She would have a hard time tolerating blood thinners so a watchmen may be an option. It is supposed to restrict the forming of clots so a blood thinner would not be required except for maybe a short time after surgery. One issue is the skill set of the Electrophysiologist's skill with placement. Its also supposed be a shorter time under anesthesia. Its use is evaluated on a case by case basis.
I have a watchman. It, more or less, gives me security knowing it will catch any clots. It was a very simple procedure and didn't take much time at all putting it in. Other than that, I can't even tell they did anything to me.
Thanks for your post, that is reassuring. I find after research and talking with folks such as you this watchman implant far out ways taking any drugs for rest of my life to solve the issue. Some of the pluses to the watchman appear to be that you don't feel tired and lethargic with little energy that seem to be the case with drugs.
Thanks, Adrian
I have a watchman. It, more or less, gives me security knowing it will catch any clots. It was a very simple procedure and didn't take much time at all putting it in. Other than that, I can't even tell they did anything to me.
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Yes. The operation itself doesn't go wrong and the watchman seals up. I do have confidence in the surgeon, however it's just the risk of something going wrong could be fatal.
It's when you are in the 1% that the problems begin!
Can you share with me what was causing your dizziness? Was it Afib or something related? I am currently in Afib and have been off and on since 2023 with lots of procedures and med changes! Thanks! Martha
Boston Scientific makes the device. Was recommended for me in 2024 but have not had it! On the fence as I already have a pacemaker and Watchman another procedure and another implant in my body! So, welcome any feedback. I have had 5 cardioversions, 1 ablation, a pacemaker, and lots of med changes, along with 2 strokes! Thanks, Martha
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for reaching out. I have a Watchman and the doctors said I’d have to be on Plavix the rest of my life, but working through my health care provider I’m off of 2 medications I was put on including Plavix. Currently I’m taking lisinopril 20 mg and one other medication called Cilostazol 50 mg.
After my Watchman implant and when I was on losartan and Metropole, I was having more a fib than what I should’ve been having. I don’t think it agreed with my system since I’ve been off of both of those medication’s. I haven’t been having as much a fib. I find that hypertension (stress) contributes to my a fib and if I start feeling nervous, I take half of 1mg of alprazolam and it makes me feel better and avoids a fib. Medications don’t work for everyone’s individual system and I had to be persistent in finding what meds work for me. I don’t like taking any meds but at 79 I’d like to feel I can have some quality of life.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHeart problems don’t run in my family and I’ve always had a good heart until in 2018, I passed out and laid 2 days before I was found. For all practical purposes, I was dead but revived and helicoptered to a hospital and was in a coma for quite a while. It seems since that happened in my life. It has affected me having a fib, third stage kidney disease, and I have lost a lot of quality life. During that experience someone injured me and now I have to live with an Ostomy that I cannot have reversed. Also, since then, I’ve lost two siblings and a daughter. All of these things have an effect on one’s quality of life. I want so much to feel happiness in my life again and I pray about it.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMartha, Wrong person
I have a watchman. It, more or less, gives me security knowing it will catch any clots. It was a very simple procedure and didn't take much time at all putting it in. Other than that, I can't even tell they did anything to me.
Thanks for your post, that is reassuring. I find after research and talking with folks such as you this watchman implant far out ways taking any drugs for rest of my life to solve the issue. Some of the pluses to the watchman appear to be that you don't feel tired and lethargic with little energy that seem to be the case with drugs.
Thanks, Adrian
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@ledped072858. Have you had any problems with afib after getting the watchman? Are you on any blood thiners?